1. Get rid of the foreign gods (1-8)

God reminded Jacob of how God had met him at Bethel as he was fleeing from Esau in fear and distress. Now, God commanded Jacob to go back to Bethel and build an altar. It was time to fulfill his vow. Jacob remembered God's faithfulness; he repented and obeyed God. He got rid of all the foreign gods in his household. Even the godless Canaanites felt the terror of the holy God who was with Jacob.

2. El Bethel (9-15)

God met Jacob at Bethel and talked with him personally. He blessed him and renewed the Abrahamic covenant; he confirmed the change of his name from Jacob, the deceiver, to Israel, the man who struggled with God. Jacob had built an altar and called the place 'El Bethel.' He set up a stone pillar (as he had done when he made his vow). He would not forget Bethel, the place where he met God first and where he talked with God.

Application: Lord, help me to remember my Bethel, and to live in your presence all the days of my life.
One Word: Remember your Bethel; talk with God